So here it is the end of August. Tomorrow I start back at work with a full time(35 hours) schedule. August has been weird. A mixed bag. At the beginning of August, I was very depressed. I had been slow to make new friends, slow to learn Italian (which it turns out I am not doing so badly) and slow to really accept the fact that I am NOT going home. I am home.

So, the beginning of August, I was setteling in to my new apartment at Piazza Vittorio, getting to know my housemates and feel more permanent. The new place really helps. It just has a vibe that makes me feel like buying housewares. My room is bright and very nice, large. I am close to everything and I really feel comfortable with my housemates. PS the area is very near where I lived at the beginning.

Now I am really starting to feel good here, work ended on August 5th or so and I have had lots of time off to explore Rome and find my way

The summer weather is very hot and humid so being off work is very nice. Except that it is actually too hot to go out during the day so I have been sleeping in and then going out after dark. ( I think this will make it hard tomorrow when I return to work). Anyway, there is plenty to do. They call it Estate Romana. It means Roman summer and the various political parties along with some other organizations set up jazz concerts, Performances, movies and outdoor events all over Rome. Most Romans leave town during this time, August seems to be the time when the most Americans are in town as well.

Well, after so much time here, i am beginning to be a familiar face, and faces are familiar to me too. Some of my friendships are beginning to solidify and grow. There had been many days when I felt homesick and lonely but I got over it. Nothing like skype...

The nights here in the summer are actually gorgeous! The mood is romantic and the moons are huge! One night, when I went out with my friend and her daughter, there was even an eclipse. I had taken an afternoon stroll and after taking some pictures realized there was a full moon

. I decided to take advantage of the mood for my photos. My phone rang and I was invited to go to this open air jazz fest at the castle St. Angelo. I was already near there so I accepted. We heard some great music and strolled along the river and had a beer. Most of all we just connected. The night was so fantastic, I was taking pictures of the moon!

Rome is fantastic and since I had so much time off and it was so hot, I took long afternoon walks (passagiata) in the late afternoon or evening. I was never without my camera because you just never know when you turn a corner what may be there.

Now It's the end of summer and Work has begun again. In a way, I am glad to be back. I like the long shadows at the end of summer and through fall. They remind me of childhood autumns and the anticipation of early nights and most of all...Halloween. Tonight is a big Madonna concert at the stadium in which I was looking forward to since the announcement months ago. During some of my depressed moments, or moments of homesickness, having this ticket kept me commited to staying here. Last night was the "pre-party" at gay village. I am tired but on my way to work, the gym, and.....The material, the material, the material girl!!!!!!